Ella and The cookies

 The other day Ella came over and we decided to make cookies.  We settled on this recipe called Crostata that I used to make at Christmas time years ago.  They are good any time of the year.

CROSTATA
3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 cup butter
2 slightly beaten eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup jam--(could be 1/3 cup each of strawberry, grape, apricot, or all one kind)
We used apricot jam

In food processor combine flour, sugar, baking powder and a dash of salt, process to mix.  Cut the butter into small cubes and add to the processor and mix until mixture resembles coaurse crumbs (abt. 15 seconds).  combine eggs, milk and vanilla in a bowl.  Add the dry ingredients and mix well.  Knead on floured surface until smooth.  Set saide 1/3 of the dough.

Place the remianing dough in an ungreased 9X13 or larger pan and push it down until it covers the bottom and is smooth.  Spread jam over the dough leaving a small area on the edge.  (If using 3 kinds of jam use the apricot in the middle third.)

Roll remaining dough into a 12X10 rectangle and cut into 1/2 inch wide strips.  Form strips into a lattice top diagonally over the jam topped dough.  Bake at 350-400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  Cut into bars when cooled.

This recipe was easy for children to help with.


While we were looking at various cookie recipes we came across this one and since it was so easy we made it too....

SCOTCH TEAS

1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups rolled oats
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder

In a sauce pan mix the butter with the sugar.  Cook until butter melts.  Stir in remianing ingredients; mix well.  Pour into greased 8x8x2 inch baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  Cool and cut into bars.

The recipe called for quick cooking oats but I used old fashioned.  If you don't like your oats so chewy you could put them in the blender for a few seconds to make them into quick cooking consistance.  We really liked these and wondered why it has taken me so long to discover this simple and delicious recipe?

Grilled Caesar Salad

 This is our new favorite salad.  We got it from a Cook's Country magazine. (June/July 2013)

In their recipe they make a homemade Caesar Salad dressing, but since it would have involved me finding and buying anchovies I decided that the Paul Newman Caesar dressing that I had on hand would be just fine, and it has been.  This makes a great addition to a meal involving grilled meats--since you already have the grill hot.
Costco has nice romaine hearts.




For six people--
Three romaine lettuce hearts.
1 baguette
1 clove garlic
3 Tablespoons really good olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese


Heat to grill to hot.  Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch slices--cut on the bias.  Brush both sides with olive oil and grill for about 1 monute per side.  Transfer to a platter and rub with garlic clove.  Brush the cut sides of the romaine with some of the salad dressing--about 1/4 cup.  Put the romaine, cut side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes, until lightly charred.  Move to the platter with the bread.  Drizzle lettuce with more of the dressing.  Sprinkle on parmesan cheese and serve.

If any of you want the salad dressing recipe here it is:
1 T lemon juice
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
1 T white wine vinggar
1 T. Worchestershire sauce
1 T Dijon mustard
2 anchovey fillets, rinsed
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Combine lemon juice and garlic in a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.  Process mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon-garlic mixture, vinegar, Worchestershire, mustard, anchovies, salt and pepper in blender for about 30 seconds.  With blender running, slowly add oil.